Jeff Grant picked as NZ red meat sector’s Brexit representative

Jeff Grant has been appointed by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association to support the red meat sector’s response to Brexit in the UK.

Grant, who will be based in London, will work closely with B+LNZ’s Europe representative, the New Zealand Government and commercial interests to help strengthen the red meat sector’s ties with the United Kingdom and safeguard New Zealand’s exports to the key market.

“Jeff is highly experienced and has been involved in the red meat sector for over 25 years, so brings with him expertise and strategic skills that will be crucial over the next two years in dealing with the implications of Brexit,” says B+LNZ chairman Andrew Morrison says:

“As a sheep, beef and deer farmer himself with properties at Balfour and Otama Valley in Southland, Jeff understands the importance of trade to the sector.”

B+LNZ and MIA, with financial support from AGMARDT, will jointly fund the additional resource.

MIA chairman John Loughlin says: “Brexit is one of the biggest challenges to face the sector in recent years and it is crucial New Zealand is no worse off as a result of the change.

“Jeff will play a crucial role in the overall NZ Inc effort to build and maintain our relationships in the UK, secure our national interests and dispel the misconceptions about our sector and exports.”

Grant has had a number of different roles over the years including being elected as a Member of Parliament in 1987 where he served two terms including the role of Senior Whip in the National Government from 1990 until 1993 when he retired.

Since 1994, Jeff has been predominantly involved as a director or trustee of organisations and companies including Landcorp, Wrightson, and B+LNZ. He has also been chairman of ten organisations including Meat and Wool NZ (2003-2007), the New Zealand Meat Board (2000-2007), the Meat Research and Development Council, AGMARDT, Invest South and Wool Partners Co-op.

Most recently, he has been chairman of AgResearch, Mount Linton Station, OSPRI, Milford Sound Tourism, Southland Shared Services and a director of SBS Bank, Finance Now Ltd, NZ Young Farmers, and Predator Free 2050 Ltd.

Grant will be active in the role from around mid-year and will work closely with B+LNZ regional manager, Ben O’Brien, who is based in Brussels.

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